A three-hour flight from Gibraltar became a 15-hour “journey from hell” after
three medical emergencies, a technical fault and a strike by air traffic
control.

John and Jane Reeves, from Selsey, West Sussex, who were among those on board, said the problems began when they arrived at the airport to be told there would be a two-hour delay because of a technical fault, and their flight was being transferred to Malaga.

After taking off again, a passenger suffered a suspected heart attack, another a suspected stroke and a member of the crew went down with appendicitis, resulting in an unscheduled stop in Bordeaux.

They were then unable to leave because of a strike by French air traffic control. Mr Reeves, 69, and his wife, 68, finally touched down at Gatwick 13 hours after taking off from Gibraltar, and 15 hours later than scheduled.

Mrs Reeves said: “The pilot announced that the journey was the flight from hell. Everyone clapped when we touched down.

“We were all very frustrated and tired but there was no aggression or cross words.” A spokesman for easyJet apologised for the late arrival but said every step had been taken to minimise the delay and to ensure the best care for passengers and crew.